Controversial Pastor Paul Mackenzie Detained for 14 Days Over Followers’ Deaths

Controversial Pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie of Good News International Church will spend 14 more days in police custody pending investigations into the deaths of his followers.

Mackenzie, who is accused of influencing his followers to fast to death, appeared before Malindi Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Usui on Tuesday but was not required to plead to any charge.

The prosecution sought to have the preacher detained for 30 more days but the magistrate ordered he is held in police custody for 14 days alongside six of his followers.

Seven other followers whom the prosecution described as victims as they refused to eat even while in police custody will be held for seven days for counseling.

The magistrate also canceled a Sh10,000 police bond granted to Mackenzie in an earlier case where he is accused of influencing two minors to fast to death.

Magistrate Usui said the fact that one of the preacher’s victims requested to be released to go and continue with his prayers and fasting in Shakahola was evident enough that such activities were still going on in the area and that releasing the suspects could lead to witness interference.

Mackenzie was arrested on Friday after four worshippers starved to death after they were allegedly instructed by the pastor to fast in readiness for the imminent end of the world.

Police said the victims had been told to fast to avoid “apocalyptic damnation.” They died after going for several days without food and water.

Officers acting on a tip-off last week visited the scene in Shakahola, Kilifi County where they managed to rescue 15 people, including four who were emaciated and in critical condition. The four died before reaching the hospital. 

"The ignorant citizens are starving to death in pretext to meet Jesus after being brainwashed by a suspect, one Paul Makenzie Nthenge a pastor of Good News International Church'' reads a report filed at Langobaya police station.

Police also discovered a mass shallow grave at Shakahola Forest in Langobaya, Malindi.